Following in the footsteps of Jaguar, Aston Martin reinforce the importance of our British motoring heritage by producing what will no doubt be a profitable and over-subscribed continuation DB4 GT. With such limited numbers of Aston Martins on the roads this could have a significant effect on the popularity of the DB4 which has always been overshadowed by the much higher-profile, Bond-enhanced DB5. Regardless of the economic benefits to Aston Martin and Aston Martin Works this is great news for well-heeled Aston enthusiasts and the classic car hobby as a whole.

Launched in 1959, the DB4 G.T. is one of the rarest and most revered of all Aston Martins. Evolved from the production DB4 and introduced in the same year Aston Martin scored its historic outright win in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the DB4 G.T. was a true supercar of its day. Shorter, lighter, sleeker and with a more powerful version of the legendary 3.7-litre straight-six engine, not only was the DB4 G.T. Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, it was a born winner, scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss. A total of 75 DB4 G.T.s were built between 1959 and 1963. Of these only eight were lightweight –  models most of which survive today – and values now comfortably exceed £3m according to Aston Martin.

Remaining faithful to the design of those original eight factory lightweights, each DB4 G.T. continuation will be built by Aston Martin Works employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques. Continuation cars benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, with great care taken to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s exceptional qualities while retaining its feel and character.

Underlining that authenticity are the continuation car VIN numbers, which carry on from the last original DB4 G.T. ordered – Chassis 0202R.

At its heart is a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 340bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, just as in the original DB4 G.T. Thanks to its shortened wheelbase the DB4 G.T. is a strict two-seater blessed with greater agility than the regular four-seater DB4. Its body follows the original construction, with thin-gauge aluminum panels fitted over a tubular frame. To improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels, the continuation car’s bodywork uses state-of-the-art digital technology, before being hand-finished in time-honoured tradition.

The DB4 G.T. Continuation is built to be enjoyed on track. Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track driving programme held at a number of the world’s finest race tracks, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. Billed as the ultimate arrive-and-drive experience (although try telling that to Aston Martin’s Vulcan clients) customers may also take advantage of Aston Martin’s dedicated driver training team. Comprised of expert instructors, including Aston Martin Racing’s multiple Le Mans class winner (and Goodwood Revival regular) Darren Turner, they will help customers master driving techniques from an era when track driving was more art than science.

 “For over 60 years Aston Martin Works has devoted unrivalled skill and experience to preserving Aston Martin’s heritage. Now we are creating something for the future, with a special series of 25 continuation cars that celebrate one of Aston Martin’s greatest cars – the DB4 G.T. Lightweight.” Paul Spires, Commercial Director, Aston Martin.

First deliveries of DB4 G.T. Continuation will commence in QTR 3 2017.